A rare cause of rhabdomyolysis: Gitelman syndrome

Introduction: Gitelman syndrome is a rare and autosomal recessive disorder characterized by hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, hypomagnesemia, hypocalciuria and hypertension. A careful history, physical examination and determination of urine chloride concentration are important for diagnosis. In this case report, we discuss a patient with hypokalemia and rhabdomyolysis which is diagnosed as Gitelman syndrome. Case report: A patient with sudden loss of sensation in the arms and legs and difficulty in the moving admitted to the emergency service. He had intermittent weakness in the extremities and chronic fatigue complaints over the last ten years. In her laboratory examination, serum potassium level, serum creatinine level and creatine kinase level were found 1,4 mEq/L, 1.58 mg/dl and >4260 respectively. She was transferred to our clinic due to hypokalemia etiology.she was diagnosed as Gitelman syndrome after a detailed medical history, physical examination and laboratory evaluation. Central venous catheter was opened and vigorous potassium chloride replacement was made. Patients symptoms and muscle enzymes were improved with potassium replacement. Oral potassium citrate, spironolactone, magnesium citrate was started in addition to iv potassium chloride after the patient was diagnosed as Gitelman syndrome. After that, clinical and laboratory findings of the patient were improved progressively and patient was discharged with normal laboratory findings. Conclusion: As a result; Gitelman syndrome should be thought in the differential diagnosis of hypokalemic rhabdomyolysis although it is a rare disease.